Latino Community Development Agency Launches New ‘Strengthening Family Program’ To Help Families

An all-inclusive program aims to help the growing Latino population in Oklahoma City.

The Latino Community Development Agency said the Latino community often feels overwhelmed starting over in another place. That’s where resource centers play a big part in a family’s success.

“As Latinos, we have a tendency to work a lot we don’t see that bonding between families,” said Victoria Chavez, a coordinator and case manager for the agency.

Chavez said sometimes this leads to other family issues like children getting into trouble and poor family communication.

“We might think, ‘I have to do it on my own because I am a hard worker and I don’t need any help’ if they know that there is a source that is judgement free that will allow them it is just so much better,” she said.

“They give you a lot of resources that you can come up with, good tools,” said Maria Baca.

Adding that the resources have given her much needed support for her and her family.

Chavez is launching a new program for families to reconnect and better understand how to communicate.

“The Strengthening Family Program really allows parents and youth to understand each other, increase communication, (and) reduce high risk factors,” she said.

Communication, mental health, substance abuse are a few of the topics they tackle each week in a two-hour class.

Maria Baca said her communication has already improved with her daughter.

“My daughter is like, ‘Mom, please don’t get upset,’ and she starts telling me something, and it is really important because she knows she can talk to us whenever she needs it,” said Baca.

“If we are supporting a population that is constantly growing here in Oklahoma City, we will allow that population to have more success in the future. More kids going to college, more kids growing in their career or whatever path they might take,” said Chavez, who is also the program coordinator.

Those who want to sign up for the program have until December 13, 2021.

The program is completely free and offered in Spanish. If you are interested, contact Victoria Chavez at 405-778-3914.